AlphaLab Gear Hardware Cup Update from Ann Arbor and Washington, DC

Article Published: February 5, 2016

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The 2016 AlphaLab Gear National Hardware Cup just wrapped up stops this week in Ann Arbor and Washington, DC to find more startup hardware companies to battle it out in Pittsburgh for the $50K StartBot investment.

Washington, DC Results

Regional Winner:

PrintLessPlans, LLC- The ePortfolioTM is the world's first, foldable, 21” electronic paper tablet. PrintLess Plans developed the ePortfolio using a proprietary hardware-software system capable of driving an array of thin, flexible circuit boards (Organic Thin Film Transistors) that are literally behind the next generation of flexible display technology. The ePortfolioTM, combines Printless Plans’ electronics, a unique foldable housing and a large, bi-stable, shatterproof display to create a product designed especially for viewing blueprints and other large format documents.

Audience Award Winner:

Rorus, Inc.- They're creating the filter pack. It's a backpack that holds 20 liters of water, filters instantly and can be used to give a family of 6 clean water for a year. It's enabled by a new nanotechnology that filters water differently from size exclusion filters, enabling our unique designs and quick flow rate.

Ann Arbor Results

Regional Winner:

OXX: OXX builds the world's first ruggedized appliances designed with the toughest jobsites in mind. Our COFFEEBOXX coffee makers allows people to enjoy a hot cup of coffee at the jobsite. The COFFEEBOXX is the world's toughest coffee maker. It's built ultra rugged for use on the toughest jobsites. It's impact, water, rust resistant and dust resistant. The chassis can withstand a 1500lbs load. It works with any K-cup compatible pod and brews a hot fresh cup of coffee in 75 seconds. The 85oz water tank is spill proof and the largest in the industry. It's portable and weighs only 12 pound.

Audience Award Winner:

Hibersense - It is developing a system utilizing smart room technology to pin point when specific rooms need heating and cooling. Saving you up to 30% on your energy bill.

Startbot VC will award a $50,000 convertible-debt investment to the National Hardware Cup champion in Pittsburgh this May. Terms to be negotiated based on stage of winning company.

Stay tuned to Techburgher for results from upcoming cities, including: New York, Boston, Chicago, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Austin.